Orrin Hatch: “I am grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to a respected political leader, a cherished friend, and an…”

“I am grateful for this opportunity to pay tribute to a respected political leader, a cherished friend, and an exceptional human being--Richard ``Dick'' Richards. A native of Ogden, UT, Dick touched the lives of many and was deeply respected for his wisdom, his no-nonsense approach, and his remarkable integrity. When I first considered running for the Senate in 1976, Dick was serving as the Utah Republican Party chairman. At the time, I was a political novice, but Dick's early encouragement and counsel were instrumental in my candidacy and subsequent victory. I will always be grateful for his invaluable support during my first term as a Senator. Dick and I shared a great admiration and respect for President Ronald Reagan. We were both early supporters who campaigned tirelessly to help get President Reagan elected in 1980. In President Reagan, we saw a leader who shared our conservative values and our willingness to take a stand on hard issues. Impressed with Reagan's integrity, Dick and I put our whole heart and energy into campaigning for this great man. For many years, Dick and President Reagan shared a close friendship based on mutual love and respect. During the campaign, President Reagan noted Dick's political savvy and leadership skills and later tapped him to head the National Republican Committee from 1981-82. As chairman, Dick raised the Republican Party's profile and fought passionately for conservative principles across all levels of government.…”